Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale Sex Crime Defense Attorney
In Arizona, being charged with a sex crime is a serious offense that can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and the possibility of lifetime probation. In addition, a conviction for certain sex crimes requires registering as a sex offender. If you have been accused of a sex crime, it is crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.
The Arizona Lawyers has been defending clients against sex crime charges in Arizona for over 25 years especially those living in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa and Glendale. We offer legal knowledge and skill and a proven track record of creating successful legal defense strategies for our clients.
Common Arizona Sex Crimes
There are a wide range of sex crimes in Arizona can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, including:
- Sexual assault (rape) – Intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person without that person’s consent, a class 2 felony.
- Sexual abuse – Intentionally or knowingly engaging in “sexual contact” with person who is 15 or more years of age without that person’s consent. Charges can also be brought for touching the female breast of a victim who is under the age of 15. Depending on the circumstances, different classes of felonies apply and sexual abuse is also classified as a Dangerous Crime Against Children (DCAC).
- Child molestation -Intentionally or knowingly engaging in, or causing another person to engage in, sexual contact with a child under 15 years of age, a class 2 felony and DCAC.
- Sexual exploitation of a minor/Child pornography – Knowingly recording, filming, photographing, duplicating, developing, selling, purchasing, transporting, or electronically transmitting or receiving any visual depiction of any sexual conduct with a minor, a class 2 felony and a DCAC if the pictures include children 14 years of age and younger.
- Luring a minor for sexual exploitation – Offering or luring sex with a person, knowing that, or having reason to know , the person is a minor, a class 3 felony and a DCAC if the child is under 15 years of age.
- Sexual conduct with a minor – Intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person under the age of 18, a class 6 felony. If the person is 14 years old or younger, a class 2 felony and a DCAC.
- Prostitution – Knowingly offering to engage in sex acts in exchange for something of value, such as money, a class 1 misdemeanor, but a fourth offense is a class 5 felony.
- Solicitation of prostitution – Offering money or something of value to another person in exchange for engaging in a sex act, a class 1 misdemeanor.
- Public sexual indecency – Intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or oral sexual contact while another person is present, and the defendant is reckless about whether the other person, as a reasonable person, would be offended or alarmed by the act. A class 1 misdemeanor, unless the person witnessing the conduct is under the age of 15, elevated to a class 5 felony.
- Indecent exposure – Occurs when a person exposes his or her genitals or anus, or a female exposes the areola or nipple of her breast (not while breastfeeding) and another person is present and the defendant is reckless about whether the other person, as a reasonable person, would be offended or alarmed by the act. A class 1 misdemeanor, unless the person witnessing the conduct is under the age of 15, elevated to a class 5 felony.
- Failure to register as a sexual offender – A person who is convicted of certain sex felony crimes or attempted sex crimes must register with the local sheriff’s office in the county in which he or she permanently or temporarily resides. Failure to register in a timely fashion is a felony offense.
What are dangerous crimes against children?
In Arizona, the Dangerous Crimes Against Children statute imposes mandatory sentencing for sex crimes committed against children under the age of 15, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, child prostitution, commercial sexual exploitation of a minor, luring a minor for sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. In addition, the statute also requires lifetime sex offender probation and sex offender registration. Ultimately, being convicted of a sex crime against a child will have long lasting consequences and permanently damage your standing in the community.
Phoenix Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
At the Arizona Lawyers, we believe that anyone accused of a sex crime is innocent until proven guilty. Although these are serious offenses, over our many years of practice we have seen false claims of sexual assault and child molestation made against clients out of revenge. In addition, these crimes often have no witnesses other than the parties involved, and charges can be brought with little evidence. Because a conviction can lead to severe penalties, it is crucial to have the aggressive legal defense we are uniquely qualified to provide. We will work diligently to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed, preserve your freedom and clear your name. Call our office today at (602) 999-1951 or fill out a contact form for a free consultation.